How to Host Speed Dating Events to Make Extra Money

Speed Dating Business

Speed Dating Event | Source

Tips on Getting Started

Here is what you need to know to get started

NOTICE: THIS ARTICLE IS INTENDED FOR VIEWERS WHO GENERALLY KNOW WHAT SPEED DATING IS, AND HOW IT GENERALLY WORKS. OUR GOAL IS TO INFORM YOU ON HOW TO MAKE MONEY FROM HOSTING YOUR OWN SPEED DATING EVENTS.

1. You'll first want to come up with a name that you will operate under (a "DBA" name, so to speak). I suggest coming up with a name that is unique, yet simple and to the point of your business. Additionally, you'll want to choose a name that has an available domain address to compliment or match. (Example: Match in Six = DBA | Domain address = www.matchinsix.com)

2. Come up with a logo for brand presence and to gain the feel of a professional company.

3. Decide who your target market will be. Just a word of personal advice from experience, I have noticed that age groups that range from 35 and up are more likely to fill up faster than those events for people who are single and under the age of 35. But approach the age group you are most comfortable dealing with and can establish some type of common ground with.

4. Talk to the owners/managers at local restaurants, coffee houses, and such about hosting an event at their space. Decide how you can be of benefit to the venue and how hosting a speed dating event will help them AND you so everyone can make a little extra cash.

5. After you secure a location(s) you'll want to set a date and begin marketing your Event, the Venue, and your company (yourself).

6. Invite guest. Even though it is important to advertise your event, remember to invite singles that you know to your event. Let them know a little about the venue you selected, the types of people you anticipate on participating, and ask them to attend.

8. At the event, make sure all of you guest have a name badge (Alias's are ok and suggested) and assign them a unique number for easier match results. Have them complete a registration form with contact information, email address, their real name, and Alias (if using one) for matching purposes.

9. During the event, every 6-8 minutes you ring the bell and the daters switch dates. At the end of the night they will all have met every opposite. They keep track of guest they would like to meet on the note card. (Ex: Guest writes Mark #12 No or Jane #16 Yes). Once all rounds are complete, guest turn their note cards in to you.

10. Swap contact info as soon as possible. Once you get the results, allow 24-72 hours to inform guest of their matches. Only mutual interests receive contact information. Non mutual interests are voided discretely without anyone feeling put on the spot, or rejected.

How to Charge

Depending on the venue selection and targeted audience, I would suggest charging anywhere from $15 to $30 per person at your speed dating event, starting out. This should cover most of the marketing and pay you a nice wage for the evening of the event. As you build a stronger brand presence you'll be able to charge and earn more.

Additional Info

**Assure your guest that the events are for entertainment. Also mention there is a realistic opportunity for them to meet someone special. Appeal to their "social side" not their "single (unmatched) side".

**Remember to keep communication open with the business owners and thank them for their support. Also, I wouldn't guarantee any turnout commitments, etc. Be honest and let them know your confidence and experience level. Get them involved in the promotion of the event as well!

**There are companies who offer speed dating kits, try Match in Six. This speed dating company is based out of Atlanta and offers a unique style of events, speed dating resources, and information on getting started with hosting and coordinating speed dating events.

Comments

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sending

Ratan Ulva

12 months ago

I Im interest This Work

AUTHOR

officebeam

5 years agofrom Love

Ellen-- sounds great! Thanks for the info. Please feel free to share your biz info or the name of the company you use. I'm sure there is someone out there who could use your help :)

ellen

5 years ago

The hardest part of hosting the event is getting people to attend/marketing. I've been doing this for eight years and now I help people all over the US learn to market and fill their events. Unless you already have a database of singles, I suggest you work with a national company. They do the majority of the marketing, collect the funds, train, etc. You receive a percentage of the total collected. I have seen speed dating companies come and go in my market, and none have succeeded without a national company behind them. Just some feedback from someone in the biz!

AUTHOR

officebeam

6 years agofrom Love

Hey JK-- Thanks for commenting. I understand where you are coming from. Most times people don't want to feel rejected-- this is the reason for doing the matches this way makes.

JK

6 years ago

I was curious to why wouldn't you give participants the contact info of, not only their matches, but others who are interested in them? I think I would want to know but I can see several pros and cons in doing this but what do you think?

janett

6 years ago

great advice i am looking into this i wanted to know wht do you mean by #hourly wage# and how do you figure out how many and who will show up

AUTHOR

officebeam

6 years agofrom Love

Thanks DeeVa Dee. Be sure to check out the Speed Dating Kits, they'll help you get started. www.matchinsix.com/speeddatingkits

DeeVa Dee

6 years ago

Thanks for the advice. I am seriously looking into starting a service like this. Thanks again!

JC

7 years ago

Officebeam, thanks so much for posting this valuable information. This is a great starting point for a new and fun venture! BTW...Most people have enough sense to go to google and search the meaning of DBA or any other acronym. Your use of acronyms are just fine. Just keep giving us your nuggets of wisdom!

AUTHOR

officebeam

7 years agofrom Love

I like to challenge my readers to take initiative and do a little research on their own.This is simply a guide and starting point.

Google "DBA"-- the first entry that comes up is "Doing Business As". Thanks for reading.

New York

7 years ago

Ali, I agree, but a simple google search can answer the DBA question in just a few seconds. Overall this is a really great overview of the basics. Thanks for posting!

Ali

7 years ago

DBA stands for "Doing Business As"

It's bad practice as a writer to put acronyms in your writing and not spell out what they stand for. Not everyone knows what a "DBA" is

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